Hemangiomas

What Are Hemangiomas?

  • Hemangiomas are made of clumps of extra blood vessels on the skin.
  • Some may look like rubbery, bumpy red "strawberry" patches while others resemble deep purple bruises.
  • Typically hemangiomas are not visible immediately at birth. 
  • Instead, they usually show up during the first few months of life. 
  • They can appear on any part of the body, but they are most common on the head and face.

Growth Phase

  • Hemangiomas grow most rapidly over the first 6 months of life but may continue to increase in size up to 12 months of life.

Shrinking Phase

  • Around 12 to 18 months, hemangiomas spontaneously begin to shrink in size and fade in color.
  • You may notice that the center of the hemangioma turns gray or fades prior to flattening and shrinking from the center outwards.
  • Most hemangiomas have finished or almost finished flattening and shrinking by 4 to 5 years of age.

Are Hemangiomas Dangerous?

  • Hemangiomas are benign.
  • Most will go away on their own without causing any problems.
  • Hemangiomas are not painful or uncomfortable. 

When Do Hemangiomas Need to Be Treated?

  • Most hemangiomas do not need to be treated. 
    • After the growth phase, they will gradually decrease in size, fade, and disappear completely.  
Treatment may be considered in the following high-risk scenarios:
  • Hemangiomas that are located on parts of the body where they could cause problems with normal functioning. 
    • Examples would be hemangiomas near the eyes, nose, mouth or throat that could impair vision, smell, or swallowing. 
  • Large hemangiomas in areas of high friction such as the diaper area, underarms, or neck.
  • Hemangiomas that bleed, ulcerate, or become painful. 

How Are Hemangiomas Treated?

  • If treatment is indicated, they may be treated with either a topical or oral medication to help it shrink or prevent it from growing bigger.
  • These treatments work best when started shortly after the hemangioma forms.

When to Reach Out to Modern Pediatrics

  • If your child has a known hemangioma that is bleeding or ulcerating.
  • If you see 5 or more hemangiomas on your baby's body.
  • If you believe your baby has a hemangioma in a high-risk location (see above).